WATCH: One-on-one interview with Alabama RB commit Justice Haynes

Justice Haynes caught the world of recruiting off guard in the summer. An apparent Georgia lean for most of his recruitment, the UGA legacy shocked everyone by announcing his commitment to Alabama on July 17.

Since then, Haynes has emerged as one of the Crimson Tide’s top recruiters in their 2023 class. He is in regular contact with priority targets for Nick Saban’s staff, including a couple of five-star prospects. To this point, he has also yet to visit any other schools besides Alabama.

This past Thursday, BamaInsider ventured out to Buford (Ga.) High to conduct a one-on-one video interview with Haynes. In the video above, Haynes opens up about Alabama’s season thus far, their recent loss to Tennessee, and his expectation for the program moving forward.

He also talked about what it will be like to play alongside fellow running back commit Richard Young, as well as why he remains firm in his commitment to the Crimson Tide.

“The same reasons I committed there in the first place,” Haynes said of why he’s solid with Alabama. “The way I know Coach Saban and the whole staff is going to develop me on and off the field to make me a better man, make me a better person, and make me a better football player. And then ultimately going up against the best each and every day. The development piece, really.”

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During the interview, Haynes threw out several names that he’s recruiting for Alabama, including five-stars Cormani McClain and Keon Keeley. The top-40 overall prospect also broke down what he’s seen from the Tide’s running backs group this season.

“Jahmyr Gibbs is special. I love the way they use him,” Haynes said. “I love the way that Bama uses two backs, actually. The way they use Jase [McClellan] and Jahmyr at the same time. They’ll put Jahmyr out wide or in the slot and Jase in the backfield, and vice versa. Gibbs is a special kind of back. He can do it all: Run inside, run you over, outrun you, catch the ball… he can do whatever you want him to do. Block [as well].”

Check out our full interview with Haynes above and join the conversation on the Talk of Champions message board afterward!

Justice Haynes earns high praise in On3’s evaluation of him

Haynes received a significant bump in the latest 2023 On3 rankings update. Last month, he rose from No. 72 overall to No. 47, moving up to become the second-ranked running back in this class.

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power likes what Haynes has showcased in his senior season, which is his first year with Buford. Power broke down with BamaInsider in September what’s impressed him the most about how Haynes has performed.

“The thing that we like about Justice Haynes is that he’s skilled at everything. He has a well-rounded skill set as a running back,” Power said. “The power and contact balance really showed up in this game. He had a nasty stiff arm throwing a defender to the ground. He has good contact balance and vision. Picks out the holes well and gets to the second level at a pretty consistent basis.”

Power envisions the 5-foot-11, 193-pound Haynes enjoying success at the next level with Alabama.

“I think he’s just a very developed, well-rounded running back,” Power said. “It’s not hard to see him being productive at the college level in terms of him being able to play every down and do his job regardless of the situation.”

An interesting feature on our On3 profiles is the “Reminds Us Of” section, which compares high school prospects to current or past college football players. For Haynes, his comparison is to the eighth-leading rusher in the NFL right now.

“Justice Haynes’ patient running style, contact balance, stride in the open field and versatility remind us of Miles Sanders,” the comparison read. “Haynes is more of a high usage runner at the high school level, while Sanders had stronger verified athleticism and speed at the same stage.”

For even more on Haynes and what he brings to the table, read his full scouting report HERE!

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